99 Ranger 4 cyl Timing Belt Replacement and now it won't start.

[Brih]

I put everything together but I'm getting no start. It fires right away and then lugs. I took everything back off to double check the alignment markers because when I put it together there is a half or less groove difference between the marks on the crank and the cam and oil pump. If I line up the cam and oil pump exactly on the marks the crank is turned sligthly counter clockwise from the notch. It looks tdc though and appears to be the only way to put it on right.

After I put it together agian I checked the trouble codes because the check engine light was on after not starting again. No codes. Does this mean the timing is set right? When the belt broke it put up a timing code.

I forgot the spark plug wire grease at the store. I had to put on new wires and plugs on the left hand side because when I pulled the plugs the wires snaped. I thought it would at least start without the grease. So far I have only replaced the left hand side. Would this grease or the fact that I replaced only one side with plugs and wires matter?

I've read of other rangers with the same problem after belt change....just havn't found the solution yet. Any advice will help as I am stuck at the moment. Thanks
-B ; ]
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[DonSor]

The grease does not matter. However, I suggest yourecheck wiring and timing marks,

[Davescort97]

I'm with DonSor. Check the timing marks. The camshaft runs at half speed of the crankshaft. You may need to turn the crank 360 degrees again to line up the mark with the camshaft.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

I'm with DonSor. Check the timing marks. The camshaft runs at half speed of the crankshaft. You may need to turn the crank 360 degrees again to line up the mark with the camshaft.

What?

I will agree the crank and cam marks have to be 100%, but how would having a crank 360 degress off cause the motor to not run? He would be wasting his time taking the timing set apart to rotate the crank 360 degrees. Unless you guys know something I dont.

Did you check ignition timing? Im not familiar with this motor, but line the timing marks up again, pull the distributor out (if it has one) and aim the rotor to #1. How about a quick compression test? When the belt broke did the pistons kiss any of the valves?

[Doug Rodrigues]

Easy thing to do is to remove the number one spark plug. Place your finger over the spark plug hole. Using a socket and ratchet handle on the crankshaft pully bolt, turn the engine over until you feel the compression on your fingertip as the timing mark comes to the TDC mark. If you're worried about the engine starting, then disconnect the battery before doing this. After the timing mark is at TDC, then position the camshaft mark to where it should be and install the belt.

[rhandwor]

After you install the belt you need to rotate it completely over and make sure the marks realign. Otherwise you could have gotten a wrong mark and have a problem.
Just rotate it by hand for this check.
The latest manual I have available for a 1997 doesn't show a distributor so I sure this one doesn't have one.

[bugman742002]

you are correct it doesn't have a distributor. it uses 2 coil packs. when you pulled everything off did you un plug the crank sensor? also did you make sure you have the wires on the correct coil pack. those would be some of the things that need to be checked as well. you got lucky that the engine is a noninterferance engine.

[97explorersport]

Originally Posted by bugman742002

you are correct it doesn't have a distributor. it uses 2 coil packs. when you pulled everything off did you un plug the crank sensor? also did you make sure you have the wires on the correct coil pack. those would be some of the things that need to be checked as well. you got lucky that the engine is a noninterferance engine.

I believe the belt is directional. Look for a arrow on the belt to show the rotation direction. I know I did a ford escort a few years ago and the timing was out by 1/2 of a mark, and sure as hell the belt was on backwards. Would seem ike a easy thing to see when apart, but could have been missed when put back together